more on this theme     |     more from this thinker

Single Idea 6320

[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / a. Autocracy ]

Full Idea

The best of all rulers is but a shadowy presence to his subjects; next comes the ruler they love and praise; next comes one they fear; next comes one with whom they take liberties.

Gist of Idea

The best rulers are invisible, the next admired, the next feared, and the worst are exploited

Source

Laozi (Lao Tzu) (Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) [c.530 BCE], I.XVII.39)

Book Ref

Lao Tzu: 'Tao Te Ching', ed/tr. Lau,D.C. [Penguin 1963], p.73

A Reaction

This fits our understanding of football referees to perfection. It might apply to anyone doing a vital adminstrative job, such as compiling a school timetable. It is hard, though, to accept anonymity as a mark of success.

The 15 ideas from 'Daodejing (Tao Te Ching)'

23401 A military victory is not a thing of beauty [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
23402 The highest virtue is achieved without effort [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
6319 Wise people choose inaction and silence [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
6320 The best rulers are invisible, the next admired, the next feared, and the worst are exploited [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
6321 Vulgar people are alert; I alone am muddled [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
6325 One who knows does not speak; one who speaks does not know [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
6326 The better known the law, the more criminals there are [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
6327 Do good to him who has done you an injury [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
6328 To know yet to think that one does not know is best [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
6329 People are hard to govern because authorities love to do things [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
6330 One with no use for life is wiser than one who values it [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
6331 Truth is not beautiful; beautiful speech is not truthful [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
6324 To gain in goodness, treat as good those who are good, and those who are not [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
6322 There is no crime greater than having too many desires [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
6323 Pursuit of learning increases activity; the Way decreases it [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]